[New fluorescence method for staining of human spermatozoa].

300 human ejaculates from a andrological group of patients were stained for visualisation of the spermatozoal morphology with the new fluorochrome DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindol) and examined by fluorescence microscopy. DAPI has proven to be stable, since the preparations do not fade even after long storage periods. It can be utilized in small amounts and has a special affinity for the spermatozoon nucleus, which it stains light yellow, in contrast to the acrosomal parts which are fluorescent green. The method is surprisingly simple and can be carried out in a few minutes. A further advantage of the DAPI procedure lies in the additional staining of leucocytes and microorganisms, so that inflammatory processes of the male accessory organs can be diagnosed as well.